Majoring in Marine Biology in Canada

How to Be a Marine Biologist: A Career Guide

To become a marine biologist, you need to first determine if a career in this field is right for you.
If you are interested in field research that involves adventure, applying scientific principles and allowing you to study life in natural habitats, then a career as a marine biologist may be for you.
Below we have outlined what you need to succeed in your career as a marine biologist. We also have also provided useful information for marine biologist careers, such as job descriptions, job responsibilities, salary expectations, lists of possible employers, and more!

Education needed to become a marine biologist

To get an entry-level job in marine biology, you need to have a Bachelor of Science degree in marine biology or related fields, such as biochemistry, biology, botany, ecology, microbiology or zoology. At the employer’s request, a master’s degree in marine biology is usually sufficient to meet the needs of many applied research positions. To become a marine biologist engaged in research and university teaching, a doctorate in marine biology is required. Marine biologists must also complete continuing education in their careers to keep their skills up-to-date.
 

Marine Biologist Job Description

Marine biologists are responsible for understanding marine life by studying the distribution, abundance and life history of plants and animals in the oceans and how these aspects are controlled by environmental factors.

》Marine Biologist Responsibilities

• To understand various forms of life that inhabit the sea
• Conduct controlled experiments to observe how certain factors affect the environment
• Conduct experiments and observations in the laboratory or in the field
• Analyze and interpret research results
• Prepare reports based on findings
• Identify and classify forms of marine life

》Who recruits marine biologists?

Marine biologists are employed by various organizations, although their ability to find work may depend largely on where they live. Large cities near the east and west coasts of Canada and the United States usually employ the most marine biologists.
Marine biologists with a Bachelor of Science degree may be employed as technicians, biologists or educators by the following types of organizations:

• University research laboratories
• Industrial research centres
• Private companies, such as algae growers
• Government research laboratories or ocean stations
• Marine life consulting
• Aquariums and zoos
• Nonprofit environmental advocacy groups
• Ecotourism companies

》Salary of Marine Biologists

The salaries of marine biologists can vary widely depending on factors such as location of work, level of education and experience, reputation and many others. Their salaries also depend on whether they are employed by private sector organizations, government agencies or non-profit organizations.

• Marine Biologist Salaries in Canada: According to ECO Canada, the average salary for a marine biologist in an entry-level position is $44,000 per year. The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development also reports that marine biologists typically earn between $64,000 and $78,000 a year based on their years of experience and education.
• Marine biologists' U.S. salary: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, zoologist and wildlife biologist occupations earn a median annual salary of $57,430 (2010 figures).

》Characteristics of a successful marine biologist

To be a successful Marine biologist, you need to have certain personality traits, including:

• Develop an interest, curiosity and appreciation for different forms of marine life
• Be interested in the scientific process
• Have the ability to use logic and reasoning to solve problems
• Enjoy doing research and synthesizing information
• Enjoy working with professional equipment and instruments
• Endurance and ability to perform long-hours of field work
• Pay attention to detail and excellent observation skills
• Have an inquiring mind and a passion for work
• Display efforts of producing impartial research results
• Have organizational skills and ability to keep detailed records
• Have the ability to stand out in a team environment and effectively deal with conflicts

》 Working environment for marine biologists

The work environment, conditions, and responsibilities of marine biologists may vary greatly from one assignment to another, or from one employer to another. Here are some examples of the main types of career settings for marine biologists:
Office: Marine biologists working in office environments provide advice for businesses, environmental groups or government agencies. Marine biologists working in an office environment usually work on normal weekdays.
》Classrooms: Marine biologists who teach in a classroom setting give lectures, evaluate papers, and advise students. Their working hours can range from a few hours a week to a very heavy workload. They can work during normal working times and prepare lesson plans, grade papers and perform other tasks during evenings and weekends. Some marine biologists who teach at universities and colleges may specialize in teaching courses, or they may be involved in research.
》Laboratory: These marine biologists spend most of their time studying, recording and analyzing in a laboratory environment. Work in the laboratory usually involves harmful organic materials and inorganic chemicals. Marine biologists usually work on normal weekdays.
》Field work: Field marine biologists are involved in the identification and recording of species, ecosystems and habitats, and the collection of biological samples. Their work in this field may be affected by a variety of weather conditions and hazards. Their work may also involve being in aquarium departments or on long trips on research ships.
Note that the duties of marine biologists may vary; those who conduct field surveys may also spend a lot of time working in laboratories or offices because they are not busy with field missions.

》 A career in marine biology

The occupations listed below are similar in nature to marine biologists in our database, as they may involve many of the same skills, abilities and responsibilities.

• Mycologist
• Ichthyologist
• Microbiologist
• Mycologist
• Ornithologist